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Halfmoon Rifle Barrels
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Anyone shooting a Halfmoon Rifle Barrel from Jim Baiar...???

I am interested to know what you experiences are as far as accuracy goes as well as ease of cleaning etc.

I'd also like to hear about his delivery times.

Best,
Dave
 
Posts: 1238 | Location: New Hampshire | Registered: 31 December 2001Reply With Quote
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Sorry. I don't know anything about his delivery times. The barrels, however, are top flight.


Roger Kehr
Kehr Engraving Company
(360)456-0831
 
Posts: 1634 | Location: Washington State | Registered: 29 December 2002Reply With Quote
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George Hoenig uses them on his Rotary guns so I'd have confidence in the overall experience knowing a little of how George works and his expectations.
 
Posts: 7832 | Registered: 31 January 2005Reply With Quote
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Tom Burgess spoke highly of them, and installed many.
 
Posts: 7090 | Registered: 11 January 2005Reply With Quote
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It's been a few years but I bought one uncontoured to be delivered to a gunsmith, if I remember right delivery time was good, the twist rate I requested was no problem and the price was good as well. I have not gotten it finished so can't say how it shoots. from talking to gunsmiths the opinion seems to be mixed, I'll summarize:

pro: very hard
con: very hard

Big Grin

Red
 
Posts: 4742 | Location: Fresno, CA | Registered: 21 March 2003Reply With Quote
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IIRC he claims to use a slightly different steel than most barrel makers use.
 
Posts: 7090 | Registered: 11 January 2005Reply With Quote
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Tom told me that NASA used his barrels for doing some sort of testing of things, because the steel he uses last so long and holds up better than others.

Red
 
Posts: 4742 | Location: Fresno, CA | Registered: 21 March 2003Reply With Quote
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Jim made the barrels for Jet Propulsion Lab. It was for the gas guns they were using to test for micro meteor impact studies on the shuttle tiles. Now they use it for studing impacts to earth. I can't remember the speed exactly, but somewhere in the 20,000+ fps realm.


Roger Kehr
Kehr Engraving Company
(360)456-0831
 
Posts: 1634 | Location: Washington State | Registered: 29 December 2002Reply With Quote
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Unless something has changed recently his barrels only come as uncontoured blanks. He prefers to stay away from the contouring/installation process. If you wish, he has a list of people he will recommend to you to do the rest whose work he trusts.


"Experience" is the only class you take where the exam comes before the lesson.
 
Posts: 11143 | Location: Texas, USA | Registered: 22 September 2003Reply With Quote
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I just recycled a barrel shipping tube, one that I got from D'Arcy Echols. Under D'Arcy's shipping label to me, was a shipping label from Half Moon to him.

In my mind, I'd think that's a sign of a quality product.
 
Posts: 1368 | Location: South Puget Sound, WA | Registered: 16 January 2004Reply With Quote
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Halfmoon also does the bluing for D'Arcy (or anyone else). He won't do the polish; just run your parts through his tank. He is supposed to be quite the artist at it.


"Experience" is the only class you take where the exam comes before the lesson.
 
Posts: 11143 | Location: Texas, USA | Registered: 22 September 2003Reply With Quote
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I believe the steel Jim uses in Nickle Chrome Moly 4340....?

I remeber him telling me the barrels he build for NASA lasted between 9-10 shot while other barrel makers lasted only 3-4.

Intersting to learn that all his blanks need to be contured. I had not heard that before....

Anyone running one of his barrels now? I'd love to hear how they shoot!!!

Best,
Dave
 
Posts: 1238 | Location: New Hampshire | Registered: 31 December 2001Reply With Quote
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I called him a few days ago and the answering machine came on. I left a message and have not had my call returned.
Butch
 
Posts: 8964 | Location: Poetry, Texas | Registered: 28 November 2004Reply With Quote
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I wouldn't worry to much about that, considering the time of year...he may be visiting relatives


Roger Kehr
Kehr Engraving Company
(360)456-0831
 
Posts: 1634 | Location: Washington State | Registered: 29 December 2002Reply With Quote
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When you finally do get him on the phone he is a very gracious and helpful man.

I once called him to ask about rust bluing and he spent a lot of time with me explaining the process and his Gun Goddess Rust Bluing Solution. Also took the time to explain some things about the way he makes barrels, and also about his line of bolt handles. Very nice man.
 
Posts: 7090 | Registered: 11 January 2005Reply With Quote
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quote:
Originally posted by DavidC:
I believe the steel Jim uses in Nickle Chrome Moly 4340....?

I remeber him telling me the barrels he build for NASA lasted between 9-10 shot while other barrel makers lasted only 3-4.

Intersting to learn that all his blanks need to be contured. I had not heard that before....

Anyone running one of his barrels now? I'd love to hear how they shoot!!!

Best,
Dave


memory ain't what it used to be...it may be that he has contours but won't do anything else.


"Experience" is the only class you take where the exam comes before the lesson.
 
Posts: 11143 | Location: Texas, USA | Registered: 22 September 2003Reply With Quote
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he also makes carding wheels for rust bluing. He is a very nice guy and generous with his time from the couple phone calls I've had with him.

Red
 
Posts: 4742 | Location: Fresno, CA | Registered: 21 March 2003Reply With Quote
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For those looking to contact him....I just spoke to Mr. Baiar this evening.

I placed an order for 2 barrels and hopefully will have them by the end of January or the begining for February.

As others have mentioned he is very easy to deal and glad to answer questions.

Lastly, he will contour the barrel for an extra charge.


Best Regards,
Dave
 
Posts: 1238 | Location: New Hampshire | Registered: 31 December 2001Reply With Quote
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